Senator Squadron, Borough Parks Commissioner Castro, Community Leaders Announce Planting of Cherry Trees in Chinatown

New York, NY, November 16, 2010—As part of the transformation of Bowery Street in Chinatown, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner Bill Castro, and community leaders joined today to announce the planting of 37 new trees, largely cherry trees, in front of Confucius Plaza and along the road median on Bowery Street.  This project is part of an effort spearheaded by Senator Squadron, other elected officials and community leaders to improve the quality of life for residents in this neighborhood.  Other recent changes include construction of the road median on Bowery Street as a pedestrian safety measure and the Chinatown Million Trees Initiative that Senator Squadron launched last year to bring more green space to the community.

Senator Squadron said, “With these new cherry trees, the community’s experience in Chinatown will be just a little bit better.  The trees will add even more color and character to the neighborhood, clean the air and provide much needed green space.  I want to thank community leaders for pushing this idea, and my colleagues in government and the Parks Department for their commitment to improving the quality of life for the Chinatown community.”

“With the addition of the new cherry trees at Confucius Plaza, Chinatown is a considerably greener place,” said Manhattan Parks Commissioner Bill Castro.  “The newly-planted trees will work hard for New Yorkers by cleaning the air we breathe, cooling summer air temperatures, providing shade and beautifying our community.  I am grateful to Senator Squadron for his advocacy and commitment to our shared environment.”

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, “This is another important step in the greening of Chinatown.  With these beautiful new trees, residents of our community, as well as visitors, will be able to further enjoy this precious open space.  I want to thank Sen. Daniel Squadron for his efforts and I look forward to enjoying an afternoon in Confucius Plaza under these wonderful cherry trees.”

Susan Stetzer, District Manager of Manhattan Community Board 3, said, “The Community Board supported this initiative because, while it is always great to plant more trees,  it is even more important in our communities like Chinatown that don’t have nearly enough greenery.  The Community Board appreciates that Senator Squadron and the  Parks Department  responded to the community to make these trees bloom for us.”

Justin Yu, President of the Confucius Plaza Board, said, “These new trees are a wonderful addition to our neighborhood, and we look forward to seeing them in full bloom.  We are grateful to Senator Squadron and the New York City Parks Department for these trees and for their dedication to making our community a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful place.”

Wellington Chen, Executive Director of Chinatown Partnership, said, “This is an example of true Public/Private Partnership of how by working together, everyone can achieve great results not only to enhance safety and streetscape but also for future generations!”

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